Pizza and wine have long been a match made in culinary heaven, capturing the hearts—and palates—of Americans nationwide. And a new national survey by Francis Ford Coppola Winery reveals that wine lovers are especially passionate about their pizza, proving that some matches are simply meant to be.
Whether it’s a bold red with a classic pepperoni or a crisp white with a gourmet veggie pie, the love affair between pizza and wine remains stronger than ever, the survey found.
It’s no surprise that 84% of American wine drinkers rank pizza as their favorite food—higher than the 71% of non-wine drinkers who feel the same—making wine enthusiasts 13% more likely to prioritize pizza in their lives. Nearly 60% of those who love both pizza and wine indulge in a slice at least once a week, compared to just 38% of non-wine drinkers.
For couples celebrating anniversaries or even planning a first (or third or fifth date), pizza and wine are the way to go. Seventy percent of pie-eating wine lovers choose pizza as their ideal date-night meal, making them nearly 1.5x as likely than non-wine drinkers to opt for this tried-and-true pairing. After all, some love stories—like pizza and wine—are simply timeless.
So, what’s the best wine to pair with a slice? Well, that depends on who you ask. Red wine takes the crown, with over half (54%) of U.S. wine drinkers calling it the perfect pizza pairing, followed by white (22%), rosé (13%), and sparkling (10%).
When broken down by generations, though, not all ages agree on the best pairing.
Red Varietals
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot reign supreme as America’s go-to pizza reds.
- Gen Z (aged 21+) and Millennials are shaking things up. These younger drinkers prefer non-traditional varietals, and are more than 3 times as likely to reach for a French Red and nearly 3 times as likely to choose a Red Moscato or “sweet red” for their ideal pairing.
- Gen X and Boomer-aged wine drinkers prefer bolder reds, with this group twice as likely to opt for a Syrah/Shiraz with their slice.
White (And Pink) Varietals
- Rosé (31%), Pinot Grigio/Gris (29%), Chardonnay (27%) and White Moscato (27%) are the top picks for wine lovers who like their pizza pairings on the lighter side.
- Gen Z and Millennials are nearly four times as likely to pair pizza with white French varietals, over 3 times as likely to pair pizza with White Moscato, and over twice as likely to opt for white Italian varietals.
Sparkling
- When it comes to pizza and bubbles, Champagne (35%) and sparkling rosé (33%) find the most favor, followed by Prosecco (25%).
- Younger generations are all about the fizz: A majority (65%) of wine-drinking Gen Z and Millennials paired pizza with sparkling wine last year, compared to just 35% of Gen X and Boomers.
One thing’s for sure—no matter the wine preference, there’s a perfect pour for every pizza.
Located in the heart of Sonoma County, California, the Francis Ford Coppola Winery is renowned for its award-winning portfolio, crafting each bottle of wine on-site in its cutting-edge facility amidst sustainably farmed vineyards.
